National stakeholder consultation on disability data collection in Myanmar

A national consultation on disability statistics and Incheon Strategy indicators was organized by ESCAP in Nay Pyi Taw from 27 to 29 June 2017 in cooperation with the Union Government of Myanmar through the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. The purpose of the consultation was to review the national statistical system from disability perspective and assess the progress, challenges and gaps in Myanmar’s disability policy and data collection. The consultation involved a series of meetings with senior policymakers, statisticians and experts from line ministries and agencies such as Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement (Department of Social Welfare as the Government’s focal point on disability matters), Central Statistical Organization, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Transport and Communication, Ministry of Construction, Union Election Commission and Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as with representatives of disabled people’s organizations. Based on discussions and findings of the consultation, ESCAP will help the Government of Myanmar develop a national action plan on enhancing disability data collection.